Business Development Specialist: Department of Research and Innovation

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university is seeking a Business Development Specialist for a three-year fixed term contract. The successful candidate will drive partnership development and promote research collaboration to advance commercialization efforts. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience in a university or corporate setting. Strong skills in negotiation and networking, along with knowledge of intellectual property rights, are essential. This position offers a competitive remuneration package and engaging work environment.

Qualifications

• Five years of relevant experience in business development, research management, or stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to foster strategic partnerships for research collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Foster strategic partnerships and promote research collaboration.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with government and funding agencies.
• Track KPIs and prepare regular progress reports.
• Provide advisory support to head of innovation.

Skills

Intellectual Property Rights knowledge

IP Management

Financial Management

Programme Management

Market analysis

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Business acumen

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Science or Engineering or Commerce

Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA)

Job description

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST (3 YEAR FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

POST LEVEL 6

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be involved in fostering strategic partnerships, promoting research collaboration, and advancing the commercialisation of innovative outputs.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Identifying, developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with industry, government, research institutions, and funding agencies;
• Facilitating the negotiation and management of research collaboration and commercialisation agreements;
• Driving business intelligence gathering to identify emerging trends and opportunities in research and innovation;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, funders, investors, and policy stakeholders;
• Facilitating cross-sector collaborations aimed at enhancing research translation and societal impact;
• Developing and implement frameworks to monitor and evaluate innovation, commercialisation, and partnership activities;
• Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare regular progress reports for internal and external reporting;
• Supporting researchers in identifying commercial opportunities and potential partners for funded research projects;
• Aligning research and innovation activities with institutional strategy, national policy, and funding priorities;
• Providing analytical and advisory support to the Head: Innovation and Contracts Management;
• Coordinating institutional innovation programmes, workshops, and stakeholder dialogues.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Science or Engineering or Commerce;
• Five years of relevant experience in business development, research management, Innovation support or stakeholder engagement within a university research institution or corporate environment.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Knowledge of the following:
  • Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research & Development Act (Act No. 51 of 2008);
  • IP Management;
  • RSA National System of Innovation;
  • Intellectual Property Rights;
  • Financial Management;
  • Programme Management;
  • Market analysis;
• Experience in report writing;
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills;
• Excellent networking, negotiation and stakeholder management skills;
• High level of professionalism, initiative and organisational ability;
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment;
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.

Added Advantages And Preferences

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA);
• Industry Experience;
• Developmental Finance Institution (DFI) Experience;
• Innovation Program Management;
• A postgraduate qualification in Innovation Management, Business Administration, or Technology Commercialisation;
• Experience in managing contracts, partnerships, and commercialisation projects;
• Knowledge of the South African research and innovation landscape, including policies, funding mechanisms, and IP frameworks.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

Cover letter;

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referrals whom we have permission to contact.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow Careers@UP.

Emailed applications will not be accepted.

CLOSING DATE: 15 January 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms M Molema, Tel: [phone], [e-mail] for application-related enquiries, and Ms Refilwe Ngoato, Tel: [phone], [e-mail] for enquiries relating to the position.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 March 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.